Wirelessly Configuring Climate Control System Controls

ABSTRACT

An example HVAC system includes an HVAC component, and an HVAC control configured to control the HVAC component according to an HVAC system configuration parameter. The HVAC control includes a controller wireless interface and a memory. The system also includes a mobile device having a user interface and a mobile wireless interface in wireless communication with the controller wireless interface of the HVAC control. The mobile device is configured to display the HVAC system configuration parameter on the user interface, receive user input settings for the HVAC system configuration parameter, and wirelessly transmit the received user input settings to the controller wireless interface of the HVAC control. The HVAC control is configured to store the received user input settings in the memory of the HVAC control to control the HVAC component. Example methods of controlling an HVAC system are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/520,771 filed Jun. 16, 2017. The entire disclosure ofthe above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to wirelessly configuringclimate control system controls.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

The operational parameters of a heating, ventilation and airconditioning (HVAC) component (e.g., furnace, air conditioner, heatpump, etc.) may be set by using an HVAC control or controller. Insetting the operational parameters, a contractor, installer, or originalequipment manufacturer may refer to a display that indicates, e.g.,status and fault information.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a universal heat pump defrost control and a mobiledevice, each configured in accordance with one example embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of selected components of a universal heat pumpdefrost control and a mobile device, each configured in accordance withone example embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an example table of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) ofdefrost controls and corresponding defrost control parameters for eachOEM;

FIGS. 4A-4B describe example defrost control set-up features that may beprovided wirelessly to a mobile device as menu choices in accordancewith various implementations of the disclosure;

FIGS. 5A-5D are screenshots of selectable menu items and informationdisplayed in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure;

and

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example integrated furnace control (IFC) and auser mobile device configured to provide setup parameters to the IFC inaccordance with an example implementation of the disclosure.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding (although notnecessarily identical) parts throughout the several views of thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

The inventors hereof have recognized that control boards for HVACcontrols for HVAC equipment, units, systems, etc., including but notlimited to furnaces, heat pumps and air handlers, are becomingincreasingly complex. Conventional furnace, heat pump and air handlerunits typically have to be opened up in order to access control boards,to access fault and/or operational data, and/or to change configurationsettings. It can be difficult for a service technician or other user toconfigure HVAC controls via dipswitches, push buttons and/or LEDs, whichcan be difficult for the user to read, understand and execute correctly,particularly in dark and confined spaces that can be very hot or verycold. Blinking LED fault codes can be misread and misinterpreted.

Further, for units in need of replacement HVAC controls, it often can bedifficult to configure a replacement for a control that has a largenumber of options. A large number of possible options also can make itdifficult to provide a universal control for such units. Manyconventional interfaces for installing replacement HVAC controls requirean installer to understand the settings of an old control and tomanually set them for a replacement control.

Accordingly, the inventors have developed and disclose herein exemplaryembodiments of an HVAC control having a power supply and a short-rangewireless communication interface (e.g., BLUETOOTH (BT)) or other radiocommunication interface, which may be integrated into a circuit board ofthe control. In various embodiments, an installer may use a softwareapplication on a smart phone or other mobile computing device toconfigure such a control. In some embodiments, the HVAC control radiocommunication interface is connectable with a BT or other radiocommunication interface of an installer's mobile device.

A series of menu items may be provided to the installer, who may followthe menu items to install the HVAC control. In various embodiments, asoftware application menu may list a plurality of HVAC control typesthat could be configured using the software application, and a user mayselect from the menu a type of control to configure.

Additionally or alternatively, when a software application on a user'smobile device has been connected with a control via BT or other radiocommunication interface, the software application may query the HVACcontrol as to its type and thereafter automatically present theappropriate control configuration menu to the user on the mobile device.In embodiments in which a control is to be configured as a replacementfor an existing control, a software application on a user mobile devicemay query the existing control to extract its programmable parameters,pre-populate selection criteria in the application with the extractedparameters, and download the selections to the replacement control.

In some embodiments, a user may enter, e.g., by typing and/or by voicecommand, a type and number for a particular HVAC control (which may benew or a replacement) into a software application on the user's mobiledevice, after which the application contacts a remote server to obtainparameter selection criteria for the user-identified control. The servermay fetch the parameter selection information from a database and sendthe values to the application for download to the control.

Thus, in various embodiments, all configurable parameters may beautomatically selected, and in the case of a new control, the installeror other user may modify one or more parameters based, e.g., oninstallation specifics. As one example, an installer might adjust aparameter for the speed of a circulator, to suit the total duct lengthat an installation site.

In various embodiments in which a replacement control is to beinstalled, a user may enter, e.g., by typing and/or by voice command, apart number of the old control into a software application on a smartphone. Additionally or alternatively, the user may use the phone to takea picture of a label of the old control. The software application maythereby recognize the old control automatically and access the defaultsetting(s) for the old control. This could be done also in relation to aproduct label and/or in relation to other part(s) of the system, e.g.,to optimize most if not all settings.

Characters from a label could be recognized, and/or identifyinginformation could be retrieved, e.g., from a bar code label, typed in orselected from a list, etc. The software application could use such labelinformation, e.g., to query “the cloud” to retrieve default settings forthe old control and automatically configure the default settings asselected settings for the replacement control. The installer may acceptthe default settings if desired, and/or make any desired changes via theapplication to the settings, e.g., before the settings are loaded intothe new replacement control.

In some embodiments, actual settings of a new control may be storedbased, e.g., on the location or address or serial number, as the newcontrol is configured and installed. Such information could be saved forfuture use. In various embodiments, an installer may be directedgraphically, e.g., by an application on the installer's phone, whichcould “walk” the installer through decision points in an installationprocess and let the installer decide each step.

A first step might be, e.g., for the installer to: (a) type, speak, orotherwise enter into the application, control/product information for anexisting control that is to be replaced, (b) take a picture of the labelof the existing control, or (c) skip to a following step. The followingstep might be for the installer to make a selection of what the existingcontrol is to be replaced with. In various embodiments, the applicationmight suggest a replacement control and provide a replacement controlnumber.

The application may also suggest other or additional system partnumber(s)/control number(s) and/or parameters. The installer may acceptdefaults and/or change them. In various embodiments, the application maystore default settings for a wireless-enabled control in the cloud, on aremote server, etc., so that when the control is replaced, the exactdefaults can be loaded into the new control.

It should be noted generally that although embodiments are describedherein with reference to universal HVAC controllers, embodiments arealso contemplated in relation to non-universal controllers. It alsoshould be noted that unless otherwise indicated, terms such as“configuration,” set-up,” “installation,” “configuring,” “setting up”and “installing” may be used interchangeably herein. Embodiments arecontemplated relative to various parameters, commands, settings, etc.,whereby climate control system controls may be operated and/or madeoperable.

With reference now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplaryembodiment of an example universal heat pump defrost control 20embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The universaldefrost control 20 may be used, e.g., as replacement for any one of aplurality of different defrost controls made by different manufacturersand that have different set-up parameters. Typically, after a defrostcontrol has been wired into a climate control system, the installerdetermines which setup parameters to apply in the defrost control.

The defrost control 20 includes a microcontroller 28, which in thepresent example embodiment is a PIC24F-type microcontroller. The defrostcontrol 20 also includes a display device 32, which in the presentexample embodiment is a dot matrix LED display controlled by themicrocontroller 28. An “option” push button 34 a and a “select” pushbutton 34 b may be used for selecting a menu on the LED display 32 andthen setting or adjusting operational parameters for the selected menu.

Additionally or alternatively, the LED display 32 and push buttons 34a-34 b may be used for recalling a fault. In various embodiments of thepresent disclosure, however, an installer may additionally oralternatively use a software application to make such determinations andto push appropriate setup parameters to the defrost control 20. Forexample, the defrost control 20 is wirelessly connectable with a mobilecomputing device 24, e.g., a smart phone, tablet, laptop, etc.,(hereinafter referred to as “mobile device.”) The mobile device 24 has aprocessor and memory 40 that includes and/or has access to a softwareapplication executable to configure the defrost control 20, e.g., asfurther described below. The mobile device 24 also has a display, e.g.,a touchscreen 26, and, in various embodiments, a voice processingcapability.

As shown in FIG. 2, the example defrost control 20 and mobile device 24are both Bluetooth-enabled and may communicate with each other, e.g.,via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication interfaces. The examplemobile device 24 includes a Bluetooth module 50 having J6 connections54.

In the present example embodiment, the connections 54 may provide thefollowing functionalities. “Reset” enables the Bluetooth module 50 inthe mobile device 24 to be reset. “GND” and “3-6 VDC” connectrespectively to grounding and power provided in the mobile device 24.“DTR” may be activated to send a “data terminal ready” signal. “SW-1” isfor enabling/disabling Bluetooth connectivity. “CTS” may be activated tosend a “clear to send” signal. “TxD” may be activated to send a“transmitted data” signal. “RTS” may be activated to send a “request tosend” signal. “RxD” may be activated to send a “received data” signal.“DSR” may be activated to send a “data set ready” signal.

The example defrost control 20 includes a Bluetooth interface 60 havingconnections 64 that correspond to the mobile device 24 connections 54.Thus, for example, data sent wirelessly by the mobile device 24 via the“TxD” pin of the Bluetooth module 50 may be received by themicrocontroller 28 via the “Rx” pin of the Bluetooth interface 60, anddata sent wirelessly by the microcontroller 28 of the defrost control 20via the “Tx” pin of the Bluetooth interface 60 may be received by themobile device 24 via the “RxD” pin of the Bluetooth module 50. The“DIGGND” and “3.3V” connections provide the Bluetooth interface 60 withpower from power circuits (not shown) of the defrost control 20. The “BTReset” of the interface 60 may be connected to a switch, e.g., to amomentary pushbutton (not shown) and activated to perform a hardwarereset of the interface 60.

In some embodiments, the reset capability may be used in a pairingprocess between the defrost control 20 and the mobile device 24. Forexample, a user may push a reset button on the defrost control 20 toreset the entire control. As the control 20 powers back up, it may startthe Bluetooth radio in pairing mode. The software application, which isrunning at the same time, may acknowledge the pairing request when theuser uses the mobile device 24 to activate the acknowledgement. Theapplication and the mobile device 24 thus would be paired to the control20.

The user then may configure the control 20 using the softwareapplication and Bluetooth connection. In some embodiments, a pairingbutton or other switch may be provided on the control 20 instead of areset switch. The example Bluetooth interface 60 is an OBS421 module,manufactured by ublox Aft which includes a microprocessor and radio. Itshould be noted, however, that although the Bluetooth interface 60 isshown in FIG. 2 as an integral Bluetooth module, various componentscould be integrated into a control in various ways to provide aBluetooth and/or other radio interface.

In various embodiments, an installer may use the software application onthe mobile device 24 to configure the universal defrost control 20 foroperation in a particular climate control system. In some embodiments,the software application displays, on the mobile device touchscreen 26,a main menu having an item for “manufacturer selection.” Additionally oralternatively, the software application may provide menu items audibly,from the mobile device 24 to an installer.

In the present example embodiment, the installer may select the“manufacturer selection” menu item to display a list of manufacturers(OEMs) that provide a defrost control as part of their equipment lineup.The installer may use the touchscreen 26 to select one of themanufacturers, e.g., by touching one of the OEM names displayed in thelist, or by using a voice command, to transmit a selection of one of themanufacturers to the software application on the mobile device 24. Inresponse to the installer's OEM selection, the software application maytransmit parameter values corresponding to the selected OEM to themicrocontroller 28 for populating parameters of the universal defrostcontrol 20.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example list of OEMs 300 and corresponding defrostcontrol parameters 308 for each OEM. Under “Defrost Type”, “T/T” meanstime/temperature. When T/T defrosting is performed, an outdoor unit runsa fixed number of minutes in heat pump mode, then performs a defrostcycle, and then returns to heat pump mode. “Demand” is a defrost methodin which the unit only performs a defrost cycle when it is needed. Thisis typically done using two temperature sensors, one on the coil, theother sensing the outdoor temperature.

Referring to FIG. 1, for example, the universal defrost control 20receives sensor input from a coil temperature sensor OCT and an outdoorambient temperature sensor OAT. When the difference, during operation,of the coil temperature and the outdoor temperature exceeds a givenvalue, e.g., 10° F., the unit performs a defrost cycle. This methodworks on the principle that frost forms an insulating barrier to theheat exchanger, and alters the typical delta between the coil andoutdoor temperature.

In various embodiments, a software application on a mobile device isconfigured to assist an installer by displaying, speaking, and/orotherwise providing information pertinent, e.g., to selectableparameters. Additionally or alternatively, a software application on amobile device may be configured to receive voice commands from aninstaller requesting and/or providing information to the softwareapplication. In various embodiments, a plurality of menu choices andsubmenu values may be provided on the touchscreen 26 for selectiontherefrom by the installer. The installer may use such menus toconfigure a defrost control “manually,” i.e., without using parametersas may be automatically provided for a given OEM.

Additionally or alternatively, the installer may select from such menusin order to make adjustments to certain parameters. Example set-upfeatures that may be provided as menu choices are listed and describedin FIGS. 4A-4B. An example main menu screen, shown in FIG. 5A, includesmost of the set-up parameters of FIGS. 4A-4B. As shown in FIG. 5A,parameters are characterized as “System Settings”, “TemperatureSettings”, “Time Settings”, and “Special Settings”.

In various embodiments, the software application allows a given menuitem to be selectable only if it is consistent with setting(s)previously selected by the installer. For example, because the firstsetting selection, “Defrost Type”, has been set to “Demand”, a settingapplicable only to “T/T” defrost is not available for selection by theinstaller. Thus a “Time Settings” menu item for “Defrost Cycle Time” isset to “N/A”. In this way, the installer may be guided to select onlyparameters as appropriate for the control being configured.

If the installer selects “Display Orientation” on the main menu, adisplay orientation selection screen is displayed, e.g., as shown inFIG. 5B. The installer then may select an orientation for displays onthe defrost control LED display 32. Generally, a display can bedifficult to read when the orientation of equipment holding the displayis changed. For example, many furnaces can be installed up-flow,down-flow, or horizontally and may be field-convertible. As shown inFIG. 5B, the installer may select from four different orientations ofthe LED display 32, e.g., by touching the selected orientation on thetouchscreen 26. The installer thus may change the orientation from theupright “Hi” orientation (shown in FIG. 5A as the current orientation)to one of the other three orientations if desired.

In various embodiments, the software application is configured to assistan installer by displaying information pertinent to selectableparameters. For example, if an installer selects “Low Temp CompressorCutout” from the main menu of FIG. 5A, a selection screen may bedisplayed, e.g., as shown in FIG. 5C. A range of low temperatures isdisplayed from which the installer may select an outdoor temperature atwhich heat pump operation is prevented. In addition to the lowtemperature range, the selection screen of FIG. 5C displays adescription of how the “Low Temp Compressor Cutout” parameter is used bythe defrost control 20.

When the installer has completed parameter selection, the installer maytouch “Configure” on the main menu screen, to instruct the softwareapplication to wirelessly push the selected parameters to the defrostcontrol 20. A status screen may then be displayed, e.g., as shown inFIG. 5D. In various embodiments, if configuration was not successful,the software application may communicate with the defrost controlmicrocontroller 28 to determine and display any errors.

Another example embodiment of a control is shown in FIG. 6. An exampleintegrated furnace control (“IFC”) 600 includes a microprocessor withmemory, a radio 608, and an antenna 612 configured for wirelesscommunication, e.g., via Bluetooth LE, with a mobile device 624, e.g., aphone or tablet having a display screen 628. On the mobile devicedisplay screen 628 is displayed an example menu of heating and coolingdelays, thermostat settings, and other settings, such as an alarm relaysetting. The various settings are selectable, e.g., by an installer ofthe IFC 600.

In another example embodiment, an HVAC system includes at least one HVACcomponent, and an HVAC control configured to control the at least oneHVAC component according to one or more HVAC system configurationparameters. The HVAC control includes a controller wireless interfaceand a memory. The system also includes a mobile device having a userinterface and a mobile wireless interface in wireless communication withthe controller wireless interface of the HVAC control.

The mobile device is configured to display the one or more HVAC systemconfiguration parameters on the user interface, receive user inputsettings for the one or more HVAC system configuration parameters, andwirelessly transmit the received user input settings for the one or moreHVAC system configuration parameters to the controller wirelessinterface of the HVAC control.

The HVAC control is configured to store the received user input settingsfor the one or more HVAC system configuration parameters in the memoryof the HVAC control to control the at least one HVAC component accordingto the received user input settings for the one or more HVAC systemconfiguration parameters.

In some cases, the HVAC control includes a control board and thecontroller wireless interface includes a short-range wirelesscommunication interface (e.g., BLUETOOTH). The mobile device may includea mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc. The user interface of the mobiledevice may be configured to display selection information correspondingto each of the one or more HVAC system configuration parametersindicative of effects of different selection options for said HVACsystem configuration parameters on performance of the HVAC system.

The user interface of the mobile device may be configured to receive atleast one of an installation date, a location and an installer name. Inthat case, the mobile device is configured to wireless transmit thereceived at least one of an installation date, a location and aninstaller name to the controller wireless interface of the HVAC control,and the HVAC control is configured to store the received at least one ofan installation date, a location and an installer name in the memory.

The HVAC system may include at least one of a wireless air temperaturesensor, a wireless coil temperature sensor and a wireless humiditysensor, and the mobile device can be configured to wirelessly transmitone or more setting parameters of the wireless air temperature sensor,the wireless coil temperature sensor and/or the wireless humidity sensorto the controller wireless interface of the HVAC control. In some cases,the mobile device is configured to wirelessly transmit a software updateto the controller wireless interface of the HVAC control, and the HVACcontrol is configured to store the received software update in memory.

In some embodiments, the HVAC control is configured to wirelesslytransmit at least one of a fault code and operational data to the mobilewireless interface of the mobile device, and the mobile device isconfigured to display the received fault code and/or operational data onthe user interface. For example, the operational data may include, butis not limited to, flame sense readings over time, air temperaturereadings over time, coil temperature readings over time, a defrostcycle, a serial number, a model number, an installation date, runtimedata, a geographical location, etc.

The mobile device may be configured to determine a model numberidentifier of the HVAC control and to display installation informationcorresponding to the HVAC control in response to the determined modelnumber identifier of the HVAC control. In some cases, the HVAC controlis configured to wirelessly transmit settings of the one or more HVACsystem configuration parameters that are currently stored in the memoryof the HVAC control to the mobile wireless interface of the mobiledevice.

According to another example embodiment of the present disclosure, anHVAC system includes at least one HVAC component, and an HVAC controlconfigured to control the at least one HVAC component according to oneor more HVAC system configuration parameters. The HVAC control includesa controller wireless interface and a memory.

The HVAC system also includes a mobile device having a user interface, acamera, and a mobile wireless interface configured for wirelesscommunication with the controller wireless interface of the HVACcontrol. The mobile device is configured to obtain an identity of theHVAC control which identity is determined by parsing an image of a labelof the HVAC control as captured by the camera or by receiving a modelnumber of the HVAC control entered into the user interface.

For example, the mobile device may be configured to determine theidentity of the HVAC control by the mobile device parsing the image ofthe label of the HVAC control as captured by the camera or by the mobiledevice receiving the model number of the HVAC control entered into theuser interface. Alternatively, or in addition, a remote device (e.g., aremote server) could determine the identity of the HVAC control, etc.

The mobile device is also configured to cause default settings for theone or more HVAC system configuration parameters from a remote serverbased on the identified HVAC control to be wirelessly transmitted to thecontroller wireless interface of the HVAC control.

For example, the mobile device may be configured to obtain the defaultsettings for the one or more HVAC system configuration parameters fromthe remote server based on the identified HVAC control, and wirelesslytransmit the settings for the one or more HVAC system configurationparameters to the controller wireless interface of the HVAC control.Alternatively, or in addition, a remote device (e.g., a remote server)could wirelessly transmit the settings to the HVAC control, etc.

The HVAC control is configured to store the received settings for theone or more HVAC system configuration parameters in the memory of theHVAC control to control the at least one HVAC component according to thereceived settings for the one or more HVAC system configurationparameters.

In this example embodiment, the label may include at least one of aproduct label of the HVAC control and a barcode label of the HVACcontrol, and the mobile device may be configured to parse the image byrecognizing characters in the product label and/or the barcode label.Alternatively, or additionally, the mobile device may be configured toreceive the model number of the HVAC control by displaying a list ofpossible HVAC control model numbers and receiving a user selection fromthe displayed list.

In some cases, the mobile device is configured to display the receiveddefault settings from the remote server on the user interface of themobile device, receive adjustments to the default settings via userinput at the user interface, and wirelessly transmit the adjustedsettings to the controller wireless interface of the HVAC control. Inthat case, the mobile device may be configured to save the adjustedsettings along with at least one of a location, and address and a serialnumber of the HVAC control. The mobile device may be configured todetermine a suggested replacement HVAC control based on the identifiedHVAC control, and display the suggested replacement HVAC control on theuser interface.

According to another example embodiment of the present disclosure, amethod of controlling an HVAC system including an HVAC component isdisclosed. The method includes controlling, by the HVAC control, the atleast one HVAC component according to one or more HVAC systemconfiguration parameters, displaying the one or more HVAC systemconfiguration parameters on a user interface of the mobile device andreceiving, via the user interface, user input settings for the one ormore HVAC system configuration parameters.

The method also includes wirelessly transmitting the received user inputsettings for the one or more HVAC system configuration parameters fromthe mobile device to a controller wireless interface of the HVACcontrol, and storing the received user input settings for the one ormore HVAC system configuration parameters in a memory of the HVACcontrol to control the at least one HVAC component according to thereceived user input settings for the one or more HVAC systemconfiguration parameters.

In some embodiments, the method may include identifying, by the mobiledevice, the HVAC control by parsing an image of a label of the HVACcontrol as captured by a camera on the mobile device, or by receiving amodel number of the HVAC control entered into the user interface, andobtaining default settings for the one or more HVAC system configurationparameters from a remote server based on the identified HVAC control.

According to another example embodiment, an HVAC control includes acontrol interface in communication with at least one HVAC component tocontrol the at least one HVAC system according to one or more HVACsystem configuration parameters, a controller wireless interfaceconfigured for wireless communication with a mobile wireless interfaceof a mobile device, and a memory.

The HVAC control is configured to wirelessly receive user input settingsfor the one or more HVAC system configuration parameters from the mobiledevice via the controller wireless interface of the HVAC control. TheHVAC control is also configured to store the received user inputsettings for the one or more HVAC system configuration parameters in thememory of the HVAC control to control the at least one HVAC componentaccording to the received user input settings for the one or more HVACsystem configuration parameters.

Example HVAC controls and mobile devices described herein may beconfigured to perform operations using any suitable combination ofhardware and software. For example, the HVAC controls and mobile devicesmay include any suitable circuitry, logic gates, microprocessor(s),computer-executable instructions stored in memory, etc., operable tocause the HVAC controls and mobile devices to perform actions describedherein (e.g., controlling an HVAC component, wirelessly transmittingsettings, etc.).

In various embodiments in which an installer's mobile device includesvoice processing capability, an installer may issue voice commands tothe mobile device. In some embodiments, a software application on themobile device processes a voice command from the installer and transmitsa corresponding digital command wirelessly to a climate control systemcontrol.

The control may wirelessly transmit a response to the softwareapplication, in which case the software application provides acorresponding voice response to the installer on the mobile device.Thus, for example, an installer may issue voice commands via a smartphone to an IFC to set up and configure the IFC, to troubleshoot, and/orto obtain diagnostics regarding the IFC. The installer may speak intothe smart phone, e.g., to ask, “What is the flame sense reading?” andthe IFC may wirelessly transmit a response, e.g., “0.2 micro Amps,”which is spoken to the installer by the smart phone. As another example,an installer may issue a voice command to an IFC to turn on thecirculator for a test. The installer thus is provided with a convenientway to test the circulator, without having to open up the unit and use ajumper wire.

As still another example, an installer could issue a voice command to aheat pump defrost control to “run a forced defrost.” Generally, itshould be understood that the processing of mobile device commandsand/or climate control system control responses (whether given by voiceor otherwise) could be distributed in various ways, e.g., between agiven mobile device and a given climate control system control.

Embodiments of the disclosure can facilitate an installer'sconfiguration of controls. Installation can take less time and can beless error-prone than when installation is performed manually. Ratherthan having to set multiple dipswitches, or navigating through a longmenu that uses LEDs and push buttons, an installer can configure allnecessary settings using a software application, and then push the datato the control. The software application can provide more detail onavailable configuration selections to help a service technician makebetter choices.

For example, before a user chooses a defrost enable temperature, theuser may access an explanation by the software application of theimpact(s) of making different available selections. Wireless alarms andsensors for air temperature, coil temperature, humidity, etc., and more,could be easily added, in contrast to the difficulty or impossibility ofadding alarms and/or system sensors where hard wiring is a requirement.Installation date, location, installer name, and other data could beloaded to the control for future warranty tracking and analysis.

Various embodiments can provide advantages relating to controlservicing. For example, software updates could be pushed to the controlin the field and/or remotely. Fault codes and/or other operational datacould be received from the control without having to open up the unit.This may reduce (e.g., eliminate) miscounting of the blinks of an LED.Fault codes can include information on the basic system items to checkout for any given code, like an embedded fault tree.

System data could be logged and sent to the application on the mobiledevice for analysis during a service call. Examples might be flame sensereadings over time, aft and coil temperature readings over time orduring an event, such as a defrost cycle. A service technician couldwork in a comfortable space to do the necessary configuration work,e.g., before going to the unit for upload. For example, the technicianwould not have to stand outside on a 10-degree day while configuring anew universal heat pump control. Software application embodiments canalso provide much of the data typically found in a printed installationmanual, e.g., once the individual control is identified by its modelnumber.

Various embodiments can provide advantages relating to controlreplacement. For example, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of agiven control can add items to be configured on the control, withoutworrying that the control might become too complex for an averageservice technician to work on.

In various embodiments, configuration settings from the existing controlcan be uploaded and transferred to the replacement control. Unit serialnumber, model number, installation dates, installer name, lifetimeheating/cooling/defrost/other cycles, runtime data, geographicallocation and more could be pulled from the control for improved warrantyreporting and analysis. Warranty-supporting information is oftenunavailable for many existing controls, since there typically is no wayto upload such information to the controls. Unlike most standardcontrols, software on the foregoing control embodiments can be updatedin the field, if needed. Supporting documentation for a given controlembodiment can be stored, instead of becoming lost or unreadable overtime from age.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled inthe art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many differentforms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes,well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are notdescribed in detail. In addition, advantages and improvements that maybe achieved with one or more exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure are provided for purpose of illustration only and do notlimit the scope of the present disclosure, as exemplary embodimentsdisclosed herein may provide all or none of the above mentionedadvantages and improvements and still fall within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Specific dimensions, specific materials, and/or specific shapesdisclosed herein are example in nature and do not limit the scope of thepresent disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values andparticular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive ofother values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more ofthe examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any twoparticular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define theendpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the givenparameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value fora given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any valuebetween the first and second values could also be employed for the givenparameter). For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to havevalue A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned thatparameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z.Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges ofvalues for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping ordistinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value thatmight be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example,if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may haveother ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3,3-10, and 3-9.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element orlayer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engagedto,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

The term “about” when applied to values indicates that the calculationor the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (withsome approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonablyclose to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecisionprovided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with thisordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at leastvariations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or usingsuch parameters. For example, the terms “generally,” “about,” and“substantially,” may be used herein to mean within manufacturingtolerances. Or, for example, the term “about” as used herein whenmodifying a quantity of an ingredient or reactant of the invention oremployed refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can happenthrough typical measuring and handling procedures used, for example,when making concentrates or solutions in the real world throughinadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in themanufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make thecompositions or carry out the methods; and the like. The term “about”also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibriumconditions for a composition resulting from a particular initialmixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about,” the claims includeequivalents to the quantities.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements, intended orstated uses, or features of a particular embodiment are generally notlimited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, areinterchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if notspecifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in manyways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from thedisclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An HVAC system comprising: at least one HVACcomponent; an HVAC control, the HVAC control configured to control theat least one HVAC component according to one or more HVAC systemconfiguration parameters, the HVAC control including a controllerwireless interface and a memory; and a mobile device, the mobile deviceincluding a user interface and a mobile wireless interface in wirelesscommunication with the controller wireless interface of the HVACcontrol, wherein: the mobile device is configured to display the one ormore HVAC system configuration parameters on the user interface, receiveuser input settings for the one or more HVAC system configurationparameters, and wirelessly transmit the received user input settings forthe one or more HVAC system configuration parameters to the controllerwireless interface of the HVAC control; and the HVAC control isconfigured to store the received user input settings for the one or moreHVAC system configuration parameters in the memory of the HVAC controlto control the at least one HVAC component according to the receiveduser input settings for the one or more HVAC system configurationparameters.
 2. The HVAC system of claim 1, wherein the HVAC controlincludes a control board and the controller wireless interface includesa short-range wireless communication interface.
 3. The HVAC system ofclaim 2, wherein the short-range wireless communication interfaceincludes a BLUETOOTH short-range wireless communication interface. 4.The HVAC system of claim 1, wherein the mobile device includes at leastone of a mobile phone and a tablet computer.
 5. The HVAC system of claim1, wherein the user interface of the mobile device is configured todisplay selection information corresponding to each of the one or moreHVAC system configuration parameters indicative of effects of differentselection options for said HVAC system configuration parameters onperformance of the HVAC system.
 6. The HVAC system of claim 1, wherein:the user interface of the mobile device is configured to receive atleast one of an installation date, a location and an installer name; themobile device is configured to wireless transmit the received at leastone of an installation date, a location and an installer name to thecontroller wireless interface of the HVAC control; and the HVAC controlis configured to store the received at least one of an installationdate, a location and an installer name in the memory.
 7. The HVAC systemof claim 1, further comprising at least one of a wireless airtemperature sensor, a wireless coil temperature sensor and a wirelesshumidity sensor, wherein the mobile device is configured to wirelesslytransmit one or more setting parameters of the wireless air temperaturesensor, the wireless coil temperature sensor and/or the wirelesshumidity sensor to the controller wireless interface of the HVACcontrol.
 8. The HVAC system of claim 1, wherein the mobile device isconfigured to wireless transmit a software update to the controllerwireless interface of the HVAC control, and the HVAC control isconfigured to store the received software update in memory.
 9. The HVACsystem of claim 1, wherein the HVAC control is configured to wirelesslytransmit at least one of a fault code and operational data to the mobilewireless interface of the mobile device, and the mobile device isconfigured to display the received fault code and/or operational data onthe user interface.
 10. The HVAC system of claim 9, wherein theoperational data includes at least one of a flame sense readings overtime, air temperature readings over time, coil temperature readings overtime, a defrost cycle, a serial number, a model number, an installationdate, runtime data, and a geographical location.
 11. The HVAC system ofclaim 1, wherein the mobile device is configured to determine a modelnumber identifier of the HVAC control and to display installationinformation corresponding to the HVAC control in response to thedetermined model number identifier of the HVAC control.
 12. The HVACsystem of claim 1, wherein the HVAC control is configured to wirelesstransmit settings of the one or more HVAC system configurationparameters that are currently stored in the memory of the HVAC controlto the mobile wireless interface of the mobile device.
 13. An HVACsystem comprising: at least one HVAC component; an HVAC control, theHVAC control configured to control the at least one HVAC componentaccording to one or more HVAC system configuration parameters, the HVACcontrol including a controller wireless interface and a memory; and amobile device, the mobile device including a user interface, a camera,and a mobile wireless interface configured for wireless communicationwith the controller wireless interface of the HVAC control, wherein: themobile device is configured to obtain an identity of the HVAC controlwhich identity is determined by parsing an image of a label of the HVACcontrol as captured by the camera or by receiving a model number of theHVAC control entered into the user interface; the mobile device isconfigured to cause default settings for the one or more HVAC systemconfiguration parameters from a remote server based on the identifiedHVAC control to be wirelessly transmitted to the controller wirelessinterface of the HVAC control; and the HVAC control is configured tostore the received settings for the one or more HVAC systemconfiguration parameters in the memory of the HVAC control to controlthe at least one HVAC component according to the received settings forthe one or more HVAC system configuration parameters.
 14. The HVACsystem of claim 13, wherein the label includes at least one of a productlabel of the HVAC control and a barcode label of the HVAC control, andthe mobile device is configured to parse the image by recognizingcharacters in the product label and/or the barcode label.
 15. The HVACsystem of claim 13, wherein the mobile device is configured to receivethe model number of the HVAC control by displaying a list of possibleHVAC control model numbers and receiving a user selection from thedisplayed list.
 16. The HVAC system of claim 13, wherein the mobiledevice is configured to: display the received default settings from theremote server on the user interface of the mobile device; receiveadjustments to the default settings via user input at the userinterface; and wirelessly transmit the adjusted settings to thecontroller wireless interface of the HVAC control.
 17. The HVAC systemof claim 16, wherein the mobile device is configured to save theadjusted settings along with at least one of a location, and address anda serial number of the HVAC control.
 18. The HVAC system of claim 13,wherein the mobile device is configured to determine a suggestedreplacement HVAC control based on the identified HVAC control, anddisplay the suggested replacement HVAC control on the user interface.19. The HVAC system of claim 13, wherein: the mobile device isconfigured to obtain the default settings for the one or more HVACsystem configuration parameters from the remote server based on theidentified HVAC control; and the mobile device is configured towirelessly transmit the settings for the one or more HVAC systemconfiguration parameters to the controller wireless interface of theHVAC control.
 20. The HVAC system of claim 13, wherein the mobile deviceis configured to determine the identity of the HVAC control by themobile device parsing the image of the label of the HVAC control ascaptured by the camera or by the mobile device receiving the modelnumber of the HVAC control entered into the user interface.
 21. A methodof controlling an HVAC system including an HVAC component, an HVACcontroller, and a mobile device, the method comprising: controlling, bythe HVAC control, the at least one HVAC component according to one ormore HVAC system configuration parameters; displaying the one or moreHVAC system configuration parameters on a user interface of the mobiledevice; receiving, via the user interface, user input settings for theone or more HVAC system configuration parameters; wirelesslytransmitting the received user input settings for the one or more HVACsystem configuration parameters from the mobile device to a controllerwireless interface of the HVAC control; and storing the received userinput settings for the one or more HVAC system configuration parametersin a memory of the HVAC control to control the at least one HVACcomponent according to the received user input settings for the one ormore HVAC system configuration parameter.
 22. The method of claim 21,further comprising: identifying, by the mobile device, the HVAC controlby parsing an image of a label of the HVAC control as captured by acamera or the mobile device, or by receiving a model number of the HVACcontrol entered into the user interface; and obtaining default settingsfor the one or more HVAC system configuration parameters from a remoteserver based on the identified HVAC control.
 23. An HVAC controlcomprising: a control interface in communication with at least one HVACcomponent to control the at least one HVAC system according to one ormore HVAC system configuration parameters; a controller wirelessinterface configured for wireless communication with a mobile wirelessinterface of a mobile device; and a memory; wherein: the HVAC control isconfigured to wirelessly receive user input settings for the one or moreHVAC system configuration parameters from the mobile device via thecontroller wireless interface of the HVAC control; and the HVAC controlis configured to store the received user input settings for the one ormore HVAC system configuration parameters in the memory of the HVACcontrol to control the at least one HVAC component according to thereceived user input settings for the one or more HVAC systemconfiguration parameters.